Why Technologists Should Work For Themselves
Feb. 18, 2015 -
By: Mark Beckner
“Programmers, developers, solution architects, and technical consultants—all of you have the basic skills necessary to become highly successful outside the confines of traditional employment ... it is a natural progression from where you are today, one which will pay immense dividends.”

Issue 125

Challenging Beliefs that Erode Workplace Motivation
Jan. 21, 2015 -
By: Susan Fowler
“As a leader, you cannot motivate anyone. What you can do is cultivate a workplace where it is more likely for someone to experience optimal motivation. ... the result of satisfying three psychological needs that lie at the heart of every human being’s ability to thrive: autonomy, relatedness, and competence.”

The Power of Apprenticeship
Jan. 21, 2015 -
By: Nicholas Wyman
“There is a huge shift happening in the United States right now: a return to the time-honored tradition of apprenticeship. ... Modern apprenticeships have countless advantages for employers and the economy on the whole, as well as for anyone, at any stage of life, looking to launch a successful, well-paid, and fulfilling career.”

It’s Your Turn: Make Something That Matters
Dec. 23, 2014 -
By: Seth Godin
“'Your turn' ... is the model of the person who makes change. We seek the change that is interesting, the change for the better, and most of all, the change that connects us to someone else. This is the freedom to make change, and the willingness to seek out the tension it brings.”

Get Off the Couch!
Dec. 23, 2014 -
By: Roger Connors & Tom Smith
“Almost everyone has experienced collapsing from exhaustion on their metaphorical 'couch' after repeated attempts to solve a problem that feels out of their control ... the point is to not be victimized by your circumstances, but to take accountability for your circumstances and get out there and go do something.”

Everything We Know About Great Workplaces is Wrong
Dec. 23, 2014 -
By: Ron Friedman, Ph.D.
“Suppose that later this evening, after you have stepped away from your keyboard, put on your jacket, and traveled home for supper, your organizations underwent a magical transformation, reshaping itself into the world’s best workplace. How would you know?”